Conceição Beach is a long stretch of fluffy, white sand with spectacular views, palm trees and beach bars. With a consistent flow of waves, it is one of the island’s main surfing spots. Snap photos of the glorious Pico Mount that rises above the shrubbery on the beach’s western end.
Find an open stretch of sand to relax and enhance your tan. Go for a refreshing dip in the ocean after getting warm under the sun. Make use of the showers to wash off salt water. Nearby tour operators rent scuba and snorkeling gear for viewing colorful fish in the clear water. Find manta rays and other aquatic creatures beside the rocks on the eastern flank of the beach.
Play beach volleyball or soccer with locals. Watch the surfers and stand-up paddlers on the water. Deck chairs and umbrellas are available to reserve on the beach, which is about 3,600 feet (1,100 meters) long.
Relax at one of the beach bars or restaurants with drinks and refreshments. Sit with a small meal while viewing the backdrop of the water and the impressive Morro de Fora rock formation on the horizon. Try a caipirinha, an iconic traditional Brazilian cocktail made with sugarcane liquor. The beach is a popular spot in the early evening, when the sun begins to descend and turn the sky red.
Stay at one of the posadas in the busy area southeast of the beach. The bay is also known as Italcable Beach in reference to the telegraph cables that Italian immigrants set up beneath the water. The best surfing period is December through February, while calmer waters the rest of the year provide ideal snorkeling conditions.
Conceição Beach is just west of Cachorro Beach on the sandy northern coast of the archipelago’s main island. Note that it is in a busy area, a bit northwest of the main streets, restaurants and bars of Vila dos Remédios. Conceição Beach is 2 miles (3 kilometers) north of the airport.